Portrait Artist Blog

I have been in partnership with The Giving Gown Foundation for 10 years, and I'm now going into my 11th in the capacity of the Empowerment Director. I love the mission of this organization - to empower young girls by providing a free prom dress AND opportunities to receive money for college or trade school by way of scholarships. Last year, we partnered together and hosted a portrait exhibit to show the community how much the volunteers and the girls mean to us, and to help the community engage in a way that showed them how words matter. I loved the interactions with moms and daughters over the power in our words and written messages. I believe lives and relationships were changed during the exhibit, and it was such a blessing to see the light bulbs turn on as conversations we never take the time to have were being nourished and encouraged. Although Giving Gown will not be partnering for the exhibit this year, I believe the message is still so important, and I feel a responsibility to continue to teach these lessons and nourish those same (and deeper) conversations between parents and girls. I have chosen to hold a one-day workshop for parents and daughters called "Confident Me" at my studio on Sunday, August 21st. The workshop will cover body confidence and boost self esteem in young people. More details are forthcoming!

Actions matter. Last year, we were able to raise $1000 through the generous donations of those who attended the exhibit and through friends of Giving Gown. I have high hopes that our message is just as strong this year, and that the generosity of the community will come through. I have set a goal to raise $2000 towards scholarships this year!! That means we need 20 people to take up this session offer during the month of July. As an added bonus, each donor will be added to our Giving Yearbook, which will stay in our studio for all to see, and donors can purchase a copy as well.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What's included?

• A 30 minute studio shoot
• Your choice of an individual or family group session
• One background and wardrobe choice
• View and order your portraits the same day
• A half page feature in our Giving Yearbook that will be kept in our studio for all to see

Can I do an outdoor shoot?

Absolutely! You will need to upgrade this offer by choosing one of the following Add-Ons. Here are your choices:

Print Credit STANDARD UPGRADE - $300
Pre-purchase $300 in product credit and get an INSTANT photo shoot upgrade! Added perks include:

• One Hour Shoot
• In Studio OR On Location
• Your Choice: Individual or Family Session
• Multiple Setups
• Two Wardrobe Choices
• Separate Ordering Session
• A full page feature in our Giving Yearbook that will be kept in our studio for all to see
• $300 Print Credit

Print Credit BEAUTY UPGRADE - $500
Pre-purchase $500 in product credit and get an INSTANT BEAUTY PACKAGE upgrade! Added perks include:

• One Hour Shoot
• In Studio OR On Location
• Your Choice: Individual or Group Session
• Multiple Setups plus Natural Light Setup
• Professional Makeup & Hair touchup
• Make It A Girl’s Day! Add your daughter, sister, mom, or friend and enjoy a day of pampering. OR…
• Make It a Date! Add your husband or partner for a fantastic couple session, just the two of you!
• In-Home Style and Concept Session
• Up to 5 Wardrobe Choices
• Separate Ordering Session
• A full spread (two pages) in our Giving Yearbook that will be kept in our studio for all to see
• $500 Print Credit

How much are your packages?

Value print packages start at $350 while packages that include a digital file start at $600

Do I have to shoot in July?

You will be asked to schedule your shoot upon checkout, but your session can be anytime before December 31, 2022! Sessions that occur in July have an added bonus of a photo gift with the purchase of any package. If you need a date/time customized for you, just pick any date and time at check out and email or call us, and we will move it to the date you need.

What kind of session can it be?

Choose from family groups or individual shoots. We have had sessions that include couples, whole families, only one member (such as a teenage daughter, son, senior grad, or baby's first birthday), mom and dad alone, grandma and grandpa alone, woman or man alone, maternity, or just the kids. (No headshots, newborn, or modeling shoots, please)

What's the attire?

You can choose to have a light or dark background for the studio. For the light background, I recommend off-white, beige, or light hues like baby blues, soft pinks, greens, coral, etc. For the dark background, I recommend black, grey, navy, or jewel tones such as ruby, turquoise, emerald green. You may choose to go as formal as you like, or opt for a more casual look. Formal attire can be anywhere from tuxedos and ball gowns to suits and nice dresses. Casual attire can be button up or collar shirts and jeans to long sleeve shirts, sweaters, and khakis. For outdoor shoots, you will receive an in-person consultation where I will help you with your outfits. Formality should be the same for all individuals being photographed.

How much of the session goes toward the scholarships?

100% of the $99 session fee (minus credit card fees) goes toward scholarships.

How do I purchase/donate?

• You may purchase online and choose your Add-Ons HERE
• You may call us at (832) 559 - 0701 and pay over the phone. Our office hours are Tuesday - Thursday 9am - 6pm, Friday - Saturday 9am - 2pm.
• You may email us at appointments@gomezportraits.com

How do I schedule my shoot?

When you purchase online, you will be asked to schedule your shoot upon checkout, but your session can be anytime before December 31, 2022! Sessions that occur in July have an added bonus of a photo gift with the purchase of any package. If you need a date/time customized for you, just pick any date and time at checkout and email or call us, and we will move it to the date you need. If you need help, you can call us at (832) 559 - 0701.

I hope you feel inspired to donate, and to enjoy a great savings on session fees! You will love our products, and I can't wait to help you get the most out of this session. Please feel free to call or email with any additional questions.

Thank you!

Love, Julizza